Add section

WHAT YOU REALLY WANT TO KNOW...​​​​​​​

Common questions asked by contractors 

  • "How do I actually close more deals after I get the lead?"

     

    Alright, so you've got the lead – great. But getting the call is one thing, and getting the signed contract is another. "How do I actually close more deals after I get the lead?" That's the million-dollar question, because even good leads can vanish into thin air if you mess up the next step.

     

    Here's what we've learned, from the trenches: It's rarely just about being the cheapest guy. Homeowners, especially the good ones, are desperate for trust and reliability. They've heard the horror stories, they've been burned by no-shows and endless delays. So, your biggest closing tool isn't a lower price – it's demonstrating you're the contractor who actually shows up and does what he says.

     

    We figured this out the hard way. We saw leads slip through our fingers even when our bids were competitive. So we started digging. We even built a calculator – the "How Much is Being Late Costing You Calculator?" -  CLICK HERE TO USE CALCULATOR – to see the cold, hard numbers. And here's what we found, from our own data and from over 1,500 contractors who've used it:

     

    • Most contractors are losing upwards of $5,000 to $10,000 a month in potential revenue just from the ripple effect of punctuality issues. That's missed first impressions, homeowners getting frustrated and calling the next guy, and ultimately, losing the chance to even bid the job.
    • The data showed us that when we were even 15 minutes late to a first appointment without a heads-up, our close rate on that specific lead dropped by nearly 30%. Thirty percent! That's brutal.

     

    So, the answer to closing more deals is about winning their trust the moment you step on their property, and maintaining it.

     

    Here’s how we cracked it, and how you can too, using the very tools we talk about at bycontractorsforcontractors.com

    1. Nail the First Impression (and Every Impression): This goes back to our "Trust Trigger Checklist" – being on time, looking professional, engaging, and confirming the plan. When you're punctual and prepared, you immediately stand out. You're signaling reliability before you even open your mouth to talk price. Our data confirms: Contractors who are consistently punctual to first appointments close 20-25% more deals than those who aren't. It's that simple.
    2. Clear Communication from the Jump (The Trust Builders Bid Sheet): Once you're there, use a tool like our Trust Builders Bid Sheet. It’s not just about listing costs. It's about getting the homeowner to write down their problem or vision in their own words. This immediately clarifies scope, manages their expectations, and puts everyone on the same page from the start. When they see their needs clearly reflected and confirmed in writing, their confidence in you skyrockets. It shows you listen, you understand, and you're professional.
    3. Back It Up with the System (The Paper Schedule System): How do you stay consistently on time, even when jobs get crazy? That's where the Paper Schedule System – Your Clipboard-Ready Appointment Tracker comes in. This isn't fancy software. It's a field-tested, no-BS way to manage your schedule, your crews, and your commitments right on your clipboard. It enables the consistent punctuality that builds deep trust, minimizes missed appointments, and keeps your operations running smooth.

     

    Look, closing more deals isn't some magic trick. It's about being the contractor the homeowner wants to hire. It's about proving you're reliable, organized, and professional from the very first minute. The "Contractors Appointment System to Win More Jobs" and the "How Much is Being Late Costing You Calculator?" at bycontractorsforcontractors.com aren't just theory. They're the practical tools and the data that prove this approach works.

     

    Go check out the calculator, see your own numbers, and grab the full system. It's how you put an end to lost bids and start closing more deals.

  • "What do I say to homeowners to convince them I'm the guy, even if my price isn't the absolute lowest?"

    Alright, you've landed the homeowner, but now you're up against the "lowest bid" mentality. "What do I say to convince them I'm the guy, even if my price isn't the absolute lowest?" This is where you separate yourself from the herd, because the smart money knows the cheapest price often comes with the most expensive headaches.

     

    Here’s the straight talk, brother: You're not selling a price; you're selling peace of mind, reliability, and a finished job that doesn't drag on forever. Homeowners are starved for that. They've either been burned before, or they've heard enough horror stories to be wary of the lowest number.

     

    When that conversation comes up, you hit 'em with this, backed by what we've learned at By Contractors For Contractors.com:

     

    "Mr./Ms. Homeowner, I appreciate you looking at all your options, and I know my bid might not be the absolute lowest you'll see. And honestly, that's by design. Because while some guys out there chase the bottom dollar, we focus on delivering something far more valuable: a project done right, on time, and without the constant headaches and frustrations you hear about.

     

    Think about it. We've collected data from over 1,500 contractors, and what we've seen, time and time again, is that the 'cheapest' bid almost always ends up costing the homeowner more in stress, delays, and hidden problems. Our own 'How Much is Being Late Costing You Calculator?' at bycontractorsforcontractors.com lays it bare: contractors who consistently struggle with punctuality and communication end up costing clients thousands, sometimes tens of thousands, in lost time and added hassle. That's money out of your pocket, even if it's not on the initial invoice.

     

    Our company runs on the 'Contractors Appointment System to Win More Jobs' – it's a blueprint built by us, for guys like us, specifically to eliminate those common headaches. This system means:

     

    🔢 We show up when we say we will. No more waiting around, taking time off work just for an estimate.

    🔢 You'll always know what's happening. We put everything in writing, clearly. No more 'he said, she said' or vague promises.

    🔢 We stick to the schedule. We cut out the chaos that turns a two-week job into two months.

     

    My price reflects the investment we've made in our processes, our communication, and our crews to guarantee you a smoother, faster, and ultimately, a more satisfying project. We're not just giving you a number; we're giving you our commitment to a hassle-free experience and a job you'll be proud of, on time and on budget. That peace of mind? That's what really saves you money and stress in the long run.

     

    "Are you looking for just a cheap price, or are you looking for a contractor who truly delivers what he promises?"

     

    This approach pivots the conversation from price to value, trust, and problem prevention, leveraging the known pain points of homeowners and backing it up with the real-world experience and data from your website's tools. It’s about selling the solution to their deepest fears, not just the cost of materials and labor.

  • "How do I get clients to commit on the first visit, so I don't have to chase them or deal with 'second bid' nonsense?"

    Alright, let's tackle this one head-on: "How do I get clients to commit on the first visit, so I don't have to chase them or deal with 'second bid' nonsense?"

     

    Every contractor out there knows that gut-punch feeling when a promising lead says, "Thanks, we'll get back to you after we get a few more quotes." It's not just a delay; it's a direct hit to your efficiency, your morale, and your bottom line. We built bycontractorsforcontractors.com precisely to stop that bleeding.

     

    Here’s the hard truth, plain and simple: You get clients to commit on the first visit by making it genuinely unnecessary for them to look for a second bid.

     

    It’s not about pressuring them. It’s about building such an undeniable level of trust, competence, and clarity in that initial meeting that they feel completely comfortable making a decision with you right then and there. They realize that shopping around for another quote is just going to waste their time and probably lead them to a less reliable contractor.

     

    Think about it: homeowners are exhausted by the typical contractor experience – the no-shows, the vague promises, the lack of follow-through. When you deliver the opposite, it's a breath of fresh air they'll cling to.

     

    Here’s how we do it, leveraging what we've discovered and built into the 'Contractors Appointment System to Win More Jobs' at bycontractorsforcontractors.com

     

    Dominate the "First 90 Seconds": This is non-negotiable. Our data, from over 1,500 contractors, clearly shows that being late, even by a few minutes without a heads-up, can drop your first-visit commitment rate by 30% or more.

     

    Why? Because you instantly lose trust. The "How Much is Being Late Costing You Calculator?" on our site reveals just how much that alone is costing you. When you're early, professional, make eye contact, listen intently, and confirm the plan (our "Trust Trigger Checklist"), you immediately establish yourself as different. As the reliable pro they've been searching for.

     

    1. Transform the Consultation into a Solution Session: Don't just show up to measure and throw a number at them. This is your chance to be the expert problem-solver.

    2. Listen, Truly Listen: Use tools like our Trust Builders Bid Sheet to get them to articulate their pain points or their vision in writing. This isn't just about you understanding; it’s about making them feel fully heard and understood. When you can repeat their problem back to them, using their own words, they see you as their contractor.

    3. Educate, Don't Sell: Explain why certain approaches are better, why your materials matter, and why your process eliminates common headaches. Show them the value beyond the material cost. This builds authority and confidence.

    4. Present a Clear, Comprehensive, and Confident Proposal On Site: This is crucial. If you leave to "work up the numbers," you're giving them time to forget your positive impression and invite other contractors.

     

    🔢 Have your proposal structured and ready to go. Our Trust Builders Bid Sheet helps you gather what you need quickly to present on the spot.

    🔢 Walk them through the bid. Explain every line item. Show them the clarity. Explain the scope, the timeline, and what they can expect from working with you – emphasizing professionalism and smooth execution.

    🔢 Show them the benefits of not chasing other bids – the time saved, the avoided frustrations, the peace of mind. Remind them of the value they just experienced with your promptness and clarity.

     

    5. Offer a Next Step, Not an Ultimatum: Frame the commitment as a natural progression. "Based on what we've discussed, if this feels right to you, we can lock this in today and get you on our schedule." You're not forcing them; you're offering them the immediate solution to their problem.

     

    The contractors who commit on the first visit are the ones who realize they've found a rare gem – a contractor who respects their time, understands their needs, and operates with transparent professionalism. The tools and principles at bycontractorsforcontractors.com are designed to help you be that rare gem.

     

    Stop losing leads to the "second bid" black hole. Go to bycontractorsforcontractors.com now, use the calculator to see what you're losing, and get the system that turns first visits into signed contracts.

  • "How do I qualify a lead faster so I don't waste my time on jobs that are never going to happen?"

    Alright, let's hit this one: "How do I qualify a lead faster so I don't waste my time on jobs that are never going to happen?"

     

    Man, if there's one thing that drives us crazy, it's driving all over town, spending time estimating, and giving away free advice to a homeowner who was never serious in the first place. We've all been there – that feeling of pulling up to a job, or even just talking on the phone, and knowing within two minutes that this lead is dead in the water. It’s a massive time suck and a profit killer.

     

    The key to qualifying leads faster isn't about being rude or rushing them. It's about asking the right questions upfront, and frankly, having a system that naturally filters out the time-wasters.

     

    Here's how we started cutting out the dead weight, drawing on what we've learned and put into the Contractors Appointment System to Win More Jobs at bycontractorsforcontractors.com:

     

    1. The Initial Screening – Before You Even Think About Driving:

    🔢 Budget, Right Away (or a Range): This is non-negotiable. "Mr./Ms. Homeowner, just so I can tailor our discussion and make sure we're on the same page, do you have a budget range in mind for this project?" Don't be shy. If their "budget" is a tenth of what the job realistically costs, you just saved yourself a trip.

    🔢 Timeline Reality Check: "When are you hoping to start this project, and when do you need it wrapped up by?" If they say "sometime next year" and you're booked out six months, or "next week" for a month-long remodel, you know where you stand.

    🔢 Decision-Maker Status: "Are you the sole decision-maker on this, or will others be involved in choosing a contractor?" If it's a committee and only one person is on the phone, that's a red flag for a drawn-out process.

    🔢Pain Points & Urgency: Get them to describe the problem they're trying to solve, not just what they want built. "What's the biggest issue you're trying to fix with this remodel?" Or, "What prompted you to look for a contractor now?" This reveals how motivated they actually are.

     

    2. During the First Appointment – The Rapid Assessment:

    Even with pre-screening, you still need to qualify face-to-face. This is where your "Trust Trigger Checklist" from our system kicks in. When you show up on time (seriously, check out the "How Much is Being Late Costing You Calculator?" at bycontractorsforcontractors.com to see the staggering cost of being even a few minutes off), you immediately set a professional tone. If they're flaky, unorganized, or disrespectful of your time even then, that tells you everything.

     

    🔢 Are They Prepared? Did they send photos? Did they have answers to your pre-qualifying questions? A homeowner who's serious is usually organized.

    🔢 Are They Engaged? Are they genuinely listening, asking good questions, and open to your expertise? Or are they just looking for a quick number?

    🔢Gut Feeling: Don't ignore it. After years in this business, your gut usually tells you if this client is going to be a headache.

     

    By implementing these steps – getting serious about pre-qualification over the phone, and then rapidly assessing during that first, perfectly executed appointment – you'll filter out the tire-kickers faster than you ever thought possible. You'll spend your valuable time on leads that actually turn into profitable jobs.

     

    Stop chasing ghosts and start winning real work. Head over to bycontractorsforcontractors.com to see how our system helps you qualify faster and close more deals that actually matter.

  • "What questions should I be asking them to make sure it's a good fit for my business?"

    Alright, so we just talked about qualifying leads fast so you're not spinning your wheels on dead ends. Now, let's flip that coin: "What questions should I be asking them to make sure it's a good fit for my business?"

     

    This isn't about whether they can afford you. It's about whether they're the kind of client you want to spend the next few weeks or months with. Because a bad client, even on a big job, can cost you more than just profit – they cost you sanity, time, and reputation. We've all been there: that job where you just wished you'd walked away.

     

    The real pros know that choosing your clients is just as critical as choosing your tools. It protects your crew's morale, your schedule, and your peace of mind.

     

    Here’s how you dig deeper to find out if this is a job you actually want to take, using the insights we’ve baked into the Contractors Appointment System to Win More Jobs at www.bycontractorsforcontractors.com:

     

    ❓ "Beyond the finished product, what does a 'successful' project truly look like to you?"

      • This question forces them to think beyond just the build. Are they focused on quality? Timeliness? Perfect communication? Budget adherence? It tells you their priorities and if they align with your strengths. If they say "lowest price, no matter what," and you pride yourself on quality, you know it might not be a fit.

    ❓ "Tell me about your past experiences with contractors – what did you love and what did you hate?"

      • This is gold. They'll tell you exactly what sets them off. If they hated contractors who were "never on time" or "didn't communicate," you know your Contractors Appointment System and the punctuality it drives are massive selling points. If they hated someone for "charging for every little change," you know they might be prone to scope creep. You're learning their pain points, and you can proactively address them.

    ❓ "How do you prefer to communicate throughout a project, and how often?"

      • This sets expectations right away. Do they want daily calls, or just weekly updates? Are they reasonable, or are they going to be texting you at midnight for every little thing? Clear communication expectations upfront save endless headaches.

    ❓ "What's your biggest concern or fear about this particular project?"

      • Digs into their underlying anxieties. Is it cost overruns? Delays? Subpar work? By understanding their fears, you can directly address them in your proposal and demonstrate how your process, like the clear scope outlined in our Trust Builders Bid Sheet, proactively prevents those issues. This builds immense trust.

    ❓ "What's your decision-making process for hiring a contractor, and who else is involved?"

      • You need to know if you're talking to the actual decision-maker, or if this is going to be a long, drawn-out process with a committee. If only one person is involved, it's a quicker path to commitment.

    Asking these questions isn't about being nosy; it's about being smart. It saves you from bidding on jobs that will only become nightmares. It ensures you're investing your precious time and resources into clients who value professionalism, clear communication, and a job done right. And as our "How Much is Being Late Costing You Calculator?" at bycontractorsforcontractors.com proves, every hour you waste on a bad fit is money you could have spent on a profitable job with a client who actually respects you.

     

    Work smarter, not harder. Qualify your clients for your business, not just the other way around.

  • "Should I raise my prices—and how do I justify it to clients?"

    Alright, let's hit this head-on: "Should I raise my prices—and how do I justify it to clients?"

     

    Man, if you're asking this, it means you're already feeling the squeeze. Underpricing is a trap. It leads to burnout, cuts into your profit, and makes you resent the very work you're doing. You're working harder, not smarter, and probably not even making what you're truly worth. So, the short answer is: YES, you absolutely should be raising your prices if you're not pulling the profit you deserve.

     

    But it's not just about slapping on a higher number. It's about fundamentally changing how you operate so that higher price isn't just justified, it becomes the obvious choice for the right clients. You don't just tell them you're worth more; you prove it before they even see the final number.

     

    Here’s how we cracked the code on this, using what we built into the Contractors Appointment System to Win More Jobs at bycontractorsforcontractors.com:

     

    First, you gotta understand what homeowners really pay for. It’s not just bricks and mortar. They pay to avoid headaches, delays, and frustrations. And trust me, they've been burned. Our "How Much is Being Late Costing You Calculator?" on bycontractorsforcontractors.com proves this every day.

     

    Over 1,500 contractors have run their numbers, and the data is consistent: the hidden costs of a disorganized, late, or poor-communicating contractor add thousands, sometimes tens of thousands, to a homeowner's overall project expense and stress levels.

     

    So, when a client balks at your higher, healthier price, you don't discount. You educate. You say something like this:

     

    "Mr./Ms. Homeowner, I understand you're reviewing bids. My price might be higher than some others you'll see, and there's a critical reason for that. What we deliver isn't just construction; it's a guarantee of a smoother, more reliable process.

     

    See, what many homeowners don't realize are the hidden costs of choosing the cheapest bid. That 'bargain' often comes with contractors who:

    🔢Show up late or not at all, forcing you to waste valuable time waiting.

    🔢 Don't communicate clearly, leading to costly misunderstandings and re-work.

    🔢Drag out timelines, turning a two-week job into two months of disruption.

     

    Our own data, from literally thousands of contractor experiences, shows that these frustrations—the wasted time, the stress, the delays—can easily add 5, 10, even 20% or more to your actual cost for the project, regardless of the initial invoice.

     

    Go ahead, check out the 'How Much is Being Late Costing You Calculator?' on bycontractorsforcontractors.com . It pulls back the curtain on those hidden costs, showing what that 'cheap' bid can really cost you in missed work, re-dos, and pure headache.

     

    Our price reflects the investment we've made in our Contractors Appointment System. This system ensures we:

     🔢 Are on time, every time, respecting your schedule.

    🔢 Provide crystal-clear communication every step of the way.

    🔢 Execute your project with precision and predictability.

     

    You're not just buying a remodel; you're buying peace of mind, a smooth process, and a reliable partner. That's worth more than any race-to-the-bottom price can offer. My price isn't the cheapest because my service isn't the cheapest. It’s the cost of quality, reliability, and guaranteed satisfaction."

     

    You don't apologize for your price. You justify it by highlighting the superior value and by exposing the hidden costs of the alternative. When you deliver on that promise, you'll not only justify your higher rates but also get more referrals from clients who appreciate not being just another cheap job.

     

    Stop burning out. Start getting paid what you're worth. Head over to bycontractorsforcontractors.com, run your numbers, and get the system that lets you raise your rates and never look back.

  • “How do I consistently win more of the right jobs without racing to the bottom on price?”

    Alright, let's cut through the noise. "How do I consistently win more of the right jobs without racing to the bottom on price?" That's the holy grail, isn't it? Because nobody in this business wants to be the cheapest guy, grinding away for pennies, only to deal with endless headaches and clients who don't respect your time or expertise.

     

    The brutal truth is, you stop racing to the bottom by becoming the contractor homeowners trust from the first handshake, the one who delivers peace of mind, not just a price. They're not just buying lumber and labor; they're buying confidence that the job will be done right, on time, and without turning their lives into a construction zone nightmare.

     

    We saw this firsthand. We were tired of getting undercut or battling over a few hundred bucks. So, we started looking hard at what really makes a client choose one contractor over another when prices are close. The answer hit us like a sledgehammer: reliability and professionalism are worth more than a discount.

     

    Here's how we turned that insight into winning the right jobs without bleeding profit, and how you can too, using the very tools at bycontractorsforcontractors.com :

     

    First, we had to face the ugly truth about our own operations. We built the "How Much is Being Late Costing You Calculator?" on our site for exactly this reason. When contractors—over 1,500 of us, actually—plugged in their numbers, the results were eye-opening.

     

    Our data showed that even minor delays or a lack of clear communication on the first appointment can slash your chances of closing that deal by a staggering 20-30%. Think about that: you're losing profitable jobs before you even get a chance to show your value, simply because of a perceived lack of reliability.

     

    So, how do you win those higher-paying jobs?

    🔢 Stop the Bleeding Before It Starts: The "right jobs" come from clients who value what you bring. You immediately filter out the price-shoppers by demonstrating impeccable reliability from minute one. Our Contractors Appointment System to Win More Jobs isn't just a fancy name; it's the blueprint that ensures you're on time, every time, looking the part, and engaging like a true professional. This instant trust building makes your higher price justifiable because you're selling a superior experience, not just a lower number.

    🔢 Sell Confidence, Not Just Costs: When you present your bid, you're not just quoting. You're explaining how your system eliminates their biggest fears. You tell them, "My price reflects our commitment to showing up on time, communicating clearly, and avoiding those frustrating delays that end up costing you more in the long run, no matter what the first bid said." You leverage the very real fear of the "cheap guy" nightmare.

    🔢Position Yourself as the Solution to Their Problems: The right clients aren't looking for the cheapest hammer; they're looking for someone to solve their problem. Our system helps you qualify them faster by getting them to articulate their exact needs and pain points. When you can show them precisely how your organized, punctual, and transparent approach prevents those headaches, your price becomes secondary to the peace of mind you're selling.

     

    You win more of the right jobs by making your reliability and professionalism your greatest competitive advantage. It elevates you above the price wars. Head over to  bycontractorsforcontractors.com , use the calculator to truly understand what's at stake, and grab the system that puts you in control of your profits, not just your bids.

  • "How can I build trust faster—before I even walk through the door?"

    Alright, let's talk about building trust before you even shake hands. "How can I build trust faster—before I even walk through the door?" Man, if you're asking this, you're already thinking like a top-tier contractor. Because the truth is, the sale often begins long before your truck pulls into their driveway.

     

    Think about it: homeowners are online, they're asking friends, they're probably texting a few other guys before they ever commit to an appointment. They're trying to figure out who's legit, who's a flake, and who actually knows their stuff. Most contractors miss this window completely, showing up cold and relying solely on that first in-person impression. That's leaving massive opportunities on the table.

     

    We realized this was a huge hole in our own game. We'd get the call, schedule the appointment, and then just... wait. We discovered that by the time we showed up, the homeowner had often already formed an opinion based on our silence, or worse, started shopping around more intensely.

     

    Here's how we flipped that script and started building trust before the handshake, a core part of the Contractors Appointment System to Win More Jobs found at bycontractorsforcontractors.com:

     

    First off, remember what our "How Much is Being Late Costing You Calculator?" on bycontractorsforcontractors.com screams at you: unreliability is a profit killer.

     

    The data from over 1,500 contractors using it clearly shows that a perceived lack of professionalism, especially around scheduling, costs you deals before you even get there. If a homeowner has to chase you to confirm, or if they're unsure if you'll even show up, you've already lost a huge chunk of trust.

     

    So, you build trust by being proactive and professional from the moment they hit your radar:

    1. Instant, Automated Confirmation & Reminders:

    🔢The Play: As soon as an appointment is booked (whether online or over the phone), hit 'em with an immediate, automated text or email confirmation. Then, send a reminder text the day before.

    🔢The Trust Build: This is massive. It shows you're organized, you're serious, and you respect their time. It cuts down on no-shows for both sides and eliminates any anxiety about whether the appointment is really set. It's the first proof you do what you say.

     

    2. Pre-Appointment Briefing (Setting Expectations):

    🔢The Play: Send a brief email or a link to a dedicated page with "What to Expect at Our First Meeting." This could include:

    👉 What you'll cover (e.g., "We'll discuss your vision, walk the site, and answer your questions.")

    👉 Anything they need to prepare (e.g., "Please have any inspiration photos ready," or "If possible, clear the area we'll be working in.")

    👉Who will be showing up (e.g., "Jared, our lead estimator, will be there.")

     

    🔢The Trust Build: This eliminates uncertainty. It positions you as a professional who runs a tight ship. It makes the homeowner feel prepared and respected, turning a vague appointment into a focused, productive meeting.

     

    🔢Humanize Your Business with a Quick Intro Video:

    👉 The Play: Include a very short (30-60 second) intro video in your confirmation email. It doesn't need to be Hollywood. Just you, looking professional, saying something like, "Hey, this is [Your Name] from [Your Company]. Looking forward to our appointment on [Date/Time]. We're all about clear communication and getting the job done right. See you then!"

    👉 The Trust Build: This is a game-changer. It puts a face to the name before you arrive. It breaks down barriers, creates a personal connection, and immediately makes you feel more trustworthy and approachable than a faceless company.

     

    By implementing these pre-appointment strategies, you're not just showing up; you're arriving with a foundation of trust already built. The homeowner feels respected, informed, and confident that they're dealing with a professional. This proactive approach drastically increases your chances of walking through that door and sealing the deal without even having to think about a "second bid."

     

    Stop leaving money on the table. Start building trust before the handshake. Head over to  bycontractorsforcontractors.com to get the full Contractors Appointment System and put these strategies to work for your business tomorrow.

  • "What’s my system for follow-up if they don’t say yes today?"

    Alright, let's talk about that moment. You've just walked out of a first appointment. You felt good about it, you nailed the first impression, maybe even delivered a solid proposal on the spot. But they didn't say "yes" right then and there. They said, "We need to think about it," or "We're getting a few other quotes."

     

    Man, that can sting. You might think, "Well, if they didn't say yes, it's a cold lead." But that's where most contractors screw up, and it's where you can pull ahead. The game isn't over if they don't sign on the first visit. In fact, a stellar first visit just earns you the right to a powerful, trust-building follow-up that separates you from every other outfit.

     

    Most guys just send an email with the proposal and then wait. Or they call incessantly, sounding desperate. Both are losers. Your follow-up has to reinforce the trust and professionalism you built, reminding them why you're the only smart choice.

     

    We learned this by looking at our own lost opportunities. Our "How Much is Being Late Costing You Calculator?" at bycontractorsforcontractors.com isn't just about the first appointment. It's about the entire sales cycle. Our data shows that even if you nail the first visit, a weak or non-existent follow-up strategy can let 20-40% of those perfectly good leads fall through the cracks. That's tens of thousands of dollars vanishing because you didn't have a deliberate next step.

     

    Here’s the system for follow-up we built into the Contractors Appointment System to Win More Jobs at bycontractorsforcontractors.com to avoid that leak:

     

    🔢 The Immediate "Thanks & Recap" (Within Hours, Not Days):

     

    👉The Play: As soon as you leave (or at least within a few hours), send a concise email or text. "Just wanted to thank you again for your time today, Mr./Ms. Homeowner. It was great discussing your [Project/Problem]. As we discussed, here's a quick recap of our proposal, covering [Key Solution 1] and [Key Solution 2]. I've attached the detailed proposal again for your convenience. Please let me know if you have any initial questions."

     

    👉 The Trust Build: It’s prompt, professional, and confirms your understanding. It keeps you top-of-mind and provides easy access to the information while they're still evaluating. You're showing continued reliability.

     

    🔢 The "Value Add" Leave-Behind (Physical or Digital):

     

    👉The Play (Physical): If you can, leave behind a small, branded "value-add" piece – maybe a simple checklist on how to choose a reliable contractor (that subtly highlights your strengths), or a testimonial sheet, or a quick guide on common project pitfalls to avoid.

     

    👉 The Play (Digital/Email): If not physical, send a second, separate email the next day (or two). "Hope you're having a good week. I was thinking about [a specific point from your conversation] and wanted to share [a short article you wrote, a link to a relevant project in your portfolio, or a simple tip related to their project]."

     

    👉 The Trust Build: This positions you as an expert, not just a bidder. You're providing value without asking for anything. It reinforces your expertise and shows you genuinely care about helping them, even if they don't choose you (yet).

     

    🔢The Scheduled, Purposeful Follow-Up (Not Just "Checking In"):

     

    👉 The Play: At the end of your first visit, or in your recap email, set the expectation for the next contact. "I'll give you a call on [Day], [Time] to see if you have any questions after reviewing everything." Put it on your calendar.

     

    👉 The Trust Build: You're not nagging; you're being systematic and respectful of their process. This structured approach builds massive trust. It demonstrates organization and commitment. Our system helps you track these specific follow-up dates so nothing falls through the cracks.

     

    Stop letting perfectly good leads go cold because you don't have a strategic follow-up system. The investment you make in that initial impression means nothing if you drop the ball afterward. Go to  bycontractorsforcontractors.com, understand what's truly on the line with the calculator, and implement the Contractors Appointment System to turn those "maybes" into signed contracts.

  • "Who is By Contractors For Contractors?"

    By Contractors For Contractors was founded by Garry Stutz, a seasoned professional with decades of hands-on experience in both the construction and contractor technology industries. Garry understands the challenges that contractors face—because he's been one himself.

     

    Who is Garry Stutz?

    ✅ 6 Years in Residential Construction – Garry owned and operated a successful construction company in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, specializing in custom log homes and high-end residential builds.

     

    ✅ 8 Years in Construction Technology – As the owner of a computer services business, Garry helped dozens of construction companies implement job estimating, scheduling, project management, and bookkeeping systems—long before cloud tools were common.

     

    ✅ Founder of By Contractors For Contractors – Today, Garry runs a contractor consulting firm that focuses on helping new and growing contractor business owners build systems that actually work in the real world. Tools like the "How Much Is Being Late Costing You?" calculator and the "Insanely Great Appointment System" are just a few of the practical solutions developed by real contractors for real contractor problems.

     

    Built by Contractors. Tested by Contractors.

     

    Everything we develop is tested in the field by working contractors—our trusted partners and clients across the U.S. and Canada. Whether you're a remodeler, electrician, plumber, roofer, or builder, our mission is the same:

     

    Help good contractors become great business owners.

     

    We focus especially on one of the most overlooked parts of the business: the first appointment.

     

    Why? Because that's where trust begins—and where most contractors unknowingly lose the job.

     

    We’re on a mission to change that by giving you tools that make you stand out from the first handshake. No gimmicks. No fluff. Just systems that work.

     

Add section
  • 18 Aug

    How Much Is Being Late For Your First Appointment...

    How Much Is Being Late For Your First Appointment Really Costing You?

    Published on: June 17, 2025

    If you're a contractor, you already know the...

    Read More
  • 18 Aug

    Why Your Quotes Aren’t Getting Callbacks —...

    You’re not alone. One of the most common complaints we hear from contractors is this:

    "I gave them a great price, was super...

    Read More
  • 20 Aug

    Contractors: Stop Losing Bids! How to Close More...

    Contractors: Stop Losing Bids! How to Close More Deals (Even When You're Not the Cheapest)

    The Secret to Winning More Jobs?...

    Read More
  • 18 Aug

    Contractor Trust: Win Jobs BEFORE You Even Arrive

    Alright, let's hit this head-on, because if there's one thing that makes a contractor's blood boil, it's hearing "We need to think about it," "We're getting a few other quotes,"...

    Read More
  • 18 Aug

    How to Build Trust with Clients as a Contractor...

    “He Wasn’t Sure About Me… Until 17 Minutes In.”

    Read More

  • 18 Aug

    Why Contractors Aren’t Getting Enough Qualified...

    If you’re a contractor and feel like you're constantly chasing leads that go nowhere, you're not alone. The problem isn’t always you—it’s the system. Most...

    Read More
View More

Insanely Great Appointment System

ebook

Our incredible contractors appointment system to build trust on the first appointment and win more jobs!

Get the system now

Copyright © 2020  192.168.0.113. All Rights Reserved.

  • Home
  • Blog